Strange Highways Explained

Strange Highways
Type:studio
Artist:Dio
Cover:DioStrangeHighways.jpg
Studio:Rumbo Recorders (Los Angeles)
Genre:Heavy metal
Length:53:36
Label:Vertigo
Producer:Mike Fraser
Prev Title:Lock Up the Wolves
Prev Year:1990
Next Title:Angry Machines
Next Year:1996

Strange Highways is the sixth studio album by American heavy metal band Dio. It's also their first album since Ronnie James Dio and Vinny Appice's reunion tour with Black Sabbath. The European release was on Vertigo Records, in October 1993; the U.S. release was on Reprise Records, in January 1994.

After the short-lived reunion with Black Sabbath for the recording of the album Dehumanizer (1992) and the subsequent tour, Dio and Appice returned to Dio's solo group, hiring Tracy Grijalva as new guitarist. Former Dio bassist Jimmy Bain was to make a return to the band, but he was soon sacked by Dio and replaced by Jeff Pilson.[1]

"Hollywood Black" was demoed by Black Sabbath during the Dehumanizer sessions. "Whether it's the same, I don't know…" Tony Iommi remarked of Dio's version (before hearing it). "Could be the same lyrics – probably is. I wouldn't think he would use the same music."[2]

Track listing

All lyrics written by Ronnie James Dio.

Personnel

Dio

Production

Notes and References

  1. http://www.metal-rules.com/zine/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=1194 Metal Rules - Jeff Pilson interview
  2. Southern Cross No.19, March 1997
  3. Web site: Music Legends. Vinny Appice Interview. May 6, 2013. March 24, 2012. Saulnier. Jason.